Parrots are very expensive and can live longer than humans. I found that Quaker parrots are very smart and loving and aren't too outrageous in price. Read up on them and see if you are ready for that much work. Birds are very very messy too, they can throw seed across the room and can be very loud and bite like the dickens too. I had a Yellow headed Amazon for years. Good luck.
2006-08-20 09:32:24
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answer #1
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answered by bcringler 4
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A cockatiel is deffinately a great "first bird." Parakeets are slo a good choice, but they aren't as "parroty" as cockatiels. Remember that parrots, even cockatiels can be loud... so be prepared for that. Cockatiels are so loving and generally easy-going (if handled with kindness, knowledge and patience) that if you decide they are for you, you should be able to add a larger bird to your "flock." Some good second birds are the green-cheek conure (also a possible fist bird if you do A LOT of reading first) the Quaker parrot and *maybe* a poicephalus like the Senegal or Myers. Work with your cockatiel for a year or two before adoping the next bird.
And remember- you are ALWAYS better off going to a breeder than buying a bird at Petco! Their birds are usually less-expensive, more socialized, and the breeder will almost always be there later to answer questions or offer advice in the future... responsible breeders care about their babies and want to make sure they live good lives.
2006-08-20 18:16:23
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answer #2
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answered by ziz 4
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If you have never had any bird experience before read up on them before. They are very tricky pets. I have 3. Start with a small breed depending on how much time you want to spend with the parrot a day. The bigger the bird the more attention they demand. My Macaw needs and average of 4 -5 hours of my time a day or he/she becomes very nippy and upset. And then there is the feeding and the clean up, it's just like caring for a small child. Be prepared for your interest in keeping a parrot to become a job!
2006-08-20 16:36:21
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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I asked this question, more than 15 years ago, to a (large) bird keeper. Her answer was simple "Start with the parrot you are most attracted to". This, of course, started 10 years of research on my part. I waited an additional 3 years before I got my first hand fed cockatiels. They were wonderful birds, but unfortunately my neighbor killed them (long story).
My plans are now to wait until we have a house, away from close neighbors. I'd love to get a green parrotlet (I'm at a loss for the name), or a similar smaller parrot.
Whatever yuo decide, be sure to do plenty of research ahead of time :) Best luck!
TDK
2006-08-20 19:21:06
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answer #4
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answered by Tara Dk 3
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If you want to start off with parrots, you need to start reading.
If you have never had a bird, a parrot is really to big for a first
timer. How about a parakeet or cockatiel. They are smaller
but they will give you the experience you need. They are VERY
messy and let's not forget the cage. Birds can be very expensive.
2006-08-20 18:08:28
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answer #5
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answered by Kerilyn 7
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Any kind of parrot. You might want to start of with smaller birds. Cockatiels are great for starter birds. Small, and easy to take care of. Fun cheerful little birds. Parrots require so much care. But I would think if it's something you know you'll love, any kind of parrot will do. They are alot like kids. Good luck
2006-08-20 16:34:24
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answer #6
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answered by jw349 3
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That depends on what kind of personality you want in a pet parrot, and what best fits your lifestyle and what you can resonably afford.
Mustache parakeets-ae small birds 10 inches, they are quiet and are fine if you are busy alot, they can laern to talk, they love to sit with their owner and be petted, and can learn tricks. They usually cost between $250-$500. and can live for 20 years. They generally bond to one or 2 people.
Sun conures- they are colorful, popular, affordable, and affectionate. Sun Conures however are loud, and just vocalize when they are happy or want attention, or are just playing with their toys. They are friendly birds and can be family oriented if the whole family interacts with them. They arent very talented talkers, but are very acrobaitic anbd can learn tricks and commands to do on cue very quickly. They normally cost between $200-$500. And can live for 15 years. They do however require a lot of attention and prefer to be with people for a majority of the day.
Lovebirds- contary to poular belief they do not need to be kept in pairs it is a myth, paired lovebirds often fight even if they seem peaceful, many fights acn lead to serious injury or even death. Single kept lovebirds make wonderful family pets and love to be held and petted by the whole family some individual birds may like only one or 2 people though, they love to play and are very active, they are fine if you are gone all day but expect to be with you when your are home. They normally cost around $60-$200 dollars the more expensive ones make better pets because they are often hand fed and more well socialized. They are generally quiet, and can live for 15 years.
There are other great beginner birds such as Indian Ringneck Parakeets, Parrotlets, Jenday, green cheek, and blue crowned conures.
Many people would say to start off with a budgie or cockatiel, I personally dont think this is the best beginner bird. Budgies more often than not arent handled enough and become fearful and cage clingy having no interest in human contact, cockatiels tend to become hormonal in the spring, and can be very aggressive, and most people become fearful of the bird and never handle him again.
If you have ideas on other species you might want or want more suggestions on other spoecies email me at fatwhale90@yahoo.com
2006-08-20 22:59:03
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answer #7
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answered by fatwhale90 4
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A parrot can live damn near as long as you can. Owning a parrot is liking marrying for life so just keep that in mind!
2006-08-20 16:33:41
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answer #8
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answered by synchronicity915 6
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Quakers are cheap as far as parrots go, but as far as a first bird they're a little bit of a handful - plus they're illegal or severely restricted in most states. If yours is one of those states, and you're caught with a quaker, they'll take your pet and "humanely euthanize" it.
The Pionus is a shy, quiet bird, who isn't very demanding, and as long as you're willing to care for it as long as the two of you are alive, I would recommend one to any first-time bird owner.
Parrotlets and lovebirds are sweet, too, but I'm biased against them because I prefer medium-sized parrots. Many medium bird species are personable and smart.
Unless you own a secluded house, beware of large birds. Ours are darlings, but they need to chew through a 2 x 4 a week, and their call is deafening.
2006-08-21 01:37:54
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answer #9
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answered by Em 5
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Quaker Parrots.
I have one and he is very smart he is little and easy to take care. He talks and mimmics our voices. My suggestion is to get a quaker parrot as a baby that way you can hand raise it and it will adapt better to all of its surroundings. Good Luck
2006-08-20 22:06:43
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answer #10
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answered by spencerluck2 2
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